FRESNO -  Playing in its first double overtime game since 2019, Fresno State defeated Eastern Washington 34-31 in its home opener on Saturday night. Levelle Bailey ended the game with an interception on the Eagles' first play of the second overtime.

Elijah Gilliam finished the night with 86 yards rushing and a career-high two touchdowns. Mikey Keene finished with 233 yards passing on 23-of-39 attempts and two scores.

How It Happened
Fresno State's defense opened with a quick turnover on downs on the game's opening drive, allowing the Bulldog offense to take over at the EWU 42-yard line. It took Fresno State just three plays to score as Mac Dalena opened with a 33-yard run. Keene connected with Jalen Moss on a short completion, then Gilliam ran in from five yards out to finish off the drive with a score. 

EWU was held to a 23-yard field goal on its next drive to make it a 7-3 game but ate 8:51 of clock time. 

Eastern Washington fumbled on its first play of the second quarter, and Kemari Munier-Bailey recovered to bring possession to the Bulldogs. Fresno State used only four plays to find the end zone on its next drive, with Devon Rivers totaling 14 yards on the ground before Keene found Jake Boust open in the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown pass. 

Fresno State took a 14-3 lead into the break. 

EWU scored its first touchdown of the game on its first drive of the second half, making it a 14-10 lead for the Bulldogs with 11:15 left in the third quarter. The Bulldogs answered back three minutes later, quickly moving the ball down the field, ending in a 29-yard touchdown from Keene to Erik Brooks.

The Eagles scored 14 unanswered to claim their first lead of the game, 24-21, with 10:01 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Lynch leveled the game at 24, with 6:44 to play with a 44-yard field goal. Following a stop, the Bulldogs had one last chance. Lynch lined up a 35-yard attempt with seconds left, but his kick drifted wide right.

Opening the overtime period, it took Eastern Washington four plays to score a touchdown to go up 31-24. The Bulldogs answered back in five plays, finishing with a 1-yard plunge from Gilliam to tie it up at 31-31. 

In the second overtime, Fresno State took a 34-31 lead on a 25-yard field goal from Lynch. On the Eagles' first play of their possession, Bailey intercepted Kekoa Visperas to seal the game. 

Up Next 
Fresno State is back on the road and ventures into Pac-12 territory to face Arizona State on Saturday, Sept. 16. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on FS1.